Greggs has announced the location of its next drive-thru, and it’s Greater Manchester’s lucky day as the region is set to get its second site.
The bakery chain’s Bolton fans will soon get to grab their bakes on the go.
Foodies will know that Greggs drive-thrus have been popping up all over the UK these past couple of years – with the groundbreaking concept for the chain actually first launching in Irlam back in 2017, and the second North West site opening in Blackburn in 2018.
But now, the Greater Manchester borough of Bolton has been confirmed as the next place where residents will be able to get their Greggs fix without even needing to get out the car.
Plans were initially submitted by Bolton-based developers A&F Forecourts back in 2022, and permission for the new site – which is set to open on the constantly-developing Logistics North services and commercial retail park near the Over Hulton area of Bolton – was granted later on in the same year.
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A brand new Greggs drive-thru is set to open in Bolton / Credit: Greggs
Although no launch date has been revealed yet, when it does eventually open, Bolton residents are told they can expect the same “deliciously golden bakes, freshly made sandwiches, Fairtrade coffee, and tasty sweet treats” that you find at every Greggs outlet.
But unlike all other shops, at the new drive-thru, you can stay in the comfort of your own car and make orders at the order point, before driving round to the collection window where your treats will be waiting for you.
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According to developers, the first stage of the new petrol forecourt development where the Greggs drive-thru will be opening has already been completed, and funding for the second phase of the major project has now been provided by Cheadle-based specialist lender, Together.
The town’s second Burger King has also been confirmed to be opening next door on the same site.
🙌 NEW – Case study: Development funding for a new forecourt in Bolton.
🍔 Developers A&F Forecourts have completed the development of the site at Bridgewater Avenue, and have brought on-board the two fast food outlets Greggs and Burger King.
Speaking ahead of the new Greggs drive-thru opening, Ataf Patel, who is the co-owner of AF Forecourts, said: “It’s great to have completed this new project and we’re excited to have brought on board two restaurants which are household names in Greggs and Burger King, as tenants.”
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AF Forecourts already has “extensive experience” with projects of this kind, as they now own and operate 11 petrol forecourts across the UK, and have also previously developed two sites from the ground up.
Gordon Spotten, who is the Business Development Director at Together, said the new Greggs drive-thru and petrol forecourt was in an “ideal location” for commuters and visitors to stop for refreshments.
You’ll want to keep your eye out for official opening dates.
Featured Image – Greggs
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Sir David Jason set for TV return in Only Fools and Horses documentary Christmas special
Danny Jones
In a surprise bit of festive news, the only and only Sir David Jason is returning for an Only Fools and Horses Christmas special this December. Lovely jubbly!
The best-loved and most-watched British comedy of all time will be back on our screens in documentary form this festive season, with Del Boy himself David Jason revisiting the iconic comedy character after 20 years he last played him on screen.
While the legendary sitcom was broadcast on BBC back in the day, the highly-anticipated Only Fools doc will be airing on Channel 5 right before Christmas as a special one-off programme.
Looking back on the show’s incredible run on UK screens over seven series and the several ‘Christmas Cracker’ specials, specifically, the latest Only Fools and Horses documentary will see Jason and a number of other guests appearing to chat about the legendary show.
The release date of the Only Fools special Christmas documentary is yet to be announced.
While it’s still unclear how many of the original cast will be appearing, Jason’s on-screen wife Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel) is confirmed to be appearing along with other special guests including newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Bendiorm‘s Sherrie Hewson.
Sadly, a full theatrical reunion just isn’t on the cards following the deaths of Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger), Kenneth MacDonald (Mike the Landlord) and Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) in the 30 years since the show ended its run.
Only Fools writer John Sullivan also sadly passed away aged 64 in 2011 and fellow co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst, a.k.a. Rodney Trotter, told Metro: “We can’t. John is no longer with us. John was the driving force of the show and we have also lost quite a few cast members now.
“I don’t think I could do it without them and I certainly couldn’t do it without John. At the risk of depressing everyone, I think the last two times I’ve seen David has been at funerals.”
Simply entitled, ‘The Story Of Only Fools And Horses At Christmas’, the 90-minute special is yet to have its broadcast date fully confirmed but you best keep your eyes peeled on the TV guide — we’ll let you know as soon we do.
Jason, 81, has only just recovered from hip surgery earlier this year, so it’ll be nice to see his familiar grin back on our screens.
Right, we’re off to binge a whole series on UK Gold.
Habas restaurant in Manchester announces shock closure – with huge closing-down discount
Daisy Jackson
Habas, the Middle Eastern restaurant launched by the team behind El Gato Negro, has announced its shock closure.
The subterranean restaurant will be going out with a bang though, promising one last knees-up with a big discount.
Habas will be doing 25% off its entire food and drink menu this New Year’s Eve so that fans of the eatery can raise a glass to the Manchester restaurant.
They’re also hoping that Mancs will raise a glass to new beginnings, teasing a brand new concept.
Habas is located at Brown Street in Manchester city centre and has been serving up its Middle Eastern menu since 2021.
It comes from Mills Hill Developments Limited, the company also responsible for El Gato Negro and Canto, fronted by celebrated chef Simon Shaw.
Habas has stressed that its closure ‘is not forever’ as it announces details of its New Year’s Eve closing down party.
You can ring in the new year with a selection of mezze dishes, sharing platters and small plates, feasting on chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki, all 25% off on Sunday 31 December.
Food at Habas in ManchesterInside Habas, ManchesterFood at Habas in Manchester
Drinks, too, like the cranberry elderflower martini, blackberry ginger smash and clementine daquiri will be with 25% off.
Simon Shaw, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.
“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks. We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah!
“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024.”
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2023 
